Through multi-level and comparative analyses, this project will offer insights into the relation between policymaking and implementation processes at different levels. We have developed a multi-methodical design for applied research, based on data from a range of sources, in order to achieve longitudinal in-depth and broad knowledge on how all crucial stakeholders understand, interpret, and experience the FP. The various data sources will supply and inform each other in methodological triangulation in order to answer the research questions and enable us to report regularly to the directorate as a basis for possible modifications of the policy design.
To gain in-depth knowledge of practice within kindergartens the project will conduct fieldwork studies in 20-25 kindergartens through observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis of annual, monthly, as well as weekly plans, other plans and schedules. The fieldwork studies will be conducted twice during the project period: in 2019/2020 and 2021/2022, allowing two years to pass in each of the kindergartens between the two times of fieldwork studies.
Children attending kindergartens are the target group of the FP policy and measures aimed at increasing quality and equalize quality differences. To attend to the target group we use observations in kindergartens and user surveys to parents. We will conduct in-depth interviews with representatives for owners and municipal authorities that constitute important stakeholders for evaluating inter-organizational implementation process variables. Analyses of municipal inspection reports on kindergarten implementation of the FP parallel with fieldwork studies will contribute to the multi-faceted database for the evaluation.
To get an overview over the FP policy design we will conduct a document analysis of all public and relevant plans and guides and in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders at national level
The project will achieve broad knowledge through two national surveys, the first including all municipalities as the local authority responsible for, among other things, kindergarten quality within their geographical borders. The second survey will include all kindergartens heads in Norway. We will distribute the electronic surveys early autumn 2019 and repeat those three years later, autumn 2022.